AN OSTEOPATH EXPLAINS THE CONNECTION, PLUS WAYS TO REDUCE THE PAIN.
It’s no secret that well-endowed women usually suffer from back pain. But just why do large breasts affect the body so much? lorene Dawance, an osteopath at orchard health Clinic, explains: “The back and neck muscles have to work a lot harder to counterbalance the shift in the centre of gravity. also, when muscles are overworked, there may be knots and reduced blood supply, both of which lead to pain and discomfort.
Lorene adds that having large breasts also tend to make a woman slouch as they pull her shoulders forward. This can create a greater muscular imbalance in the back, chest and neck muscles, resulting in joint restriction at the neck through the mid-back that can also affect her lower back.
Reduce breast-related back pain with exercise
Breast reduction surgery can help reduce the discomfort in a woman’s back and neck, but it’s pretty invasive and isn’t always the top choice. The alternative: exercise.
“If a woman is hypermobile or double-jointed, her muscles have to rely on more tension to hold joints together,” says lorene. “If she builds up the stability of those joints through specific exercises, she can avoid pain.”
Otherwise, the key to a healthy posture is good mobility, stability as well as strength, and she recommends working with a personal trainer to maintain mobility, improve posture and gain strength and stability. “Staying mobile and having strong joint stability is very important to reduce postural strains from large breasts,” she emphasises.
Finally, having a bra that fits correctly is also especially important for women with large breasts. “A good fit around the shoulders and underbust helps to distribute and support the weight. Plus, it presents the straps from digging into the skin.” Says lorene. It also helps to support the back.
